Just a few short days away from Eve's first birthday and a few weeks from Sierra's third.
We spent the morning at the Fresno Zoo and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves (besides me feeling bad for the Asian Elephants, Tiger, Cheetah and Sloth Bear). The kids are both at an age where they really take a lot out of the experience. My favorite part and I think it was for the girls too, was the sea lion and seal exhibit. Most of the animals are rescues, and they have made a spectacular exhibit and presentation for it. Eve was standing at the glass wall squealing the whole time, while Sierra was sitting quietly next to me asking me to tell the other people to be quiet while Jessica was talking. I bought the two pieces of lettuce for each of the girls to feed to the giraffes and we walked around the petting zoo and pet the most docile goats and cow we have ever seen. Eve was thrilled as much as Sierra was. Unfortunately my phone died so I couldn't take any pictures!
My best friend, Crystal, and her husband Onkar came for a quick visit on Friday and we were able to catch up before she left for her trip to China. Also our friends from LA came to visit with their son Eli this past weekend, and we all had a great time! They have become such good and loving parents and have grown as a couple since the last time we saw them. We hiked up Ely Mountain in Shaver Lake and went to the lake shore for a picnic lunch afterwards. Both of the girls enjoyed having their company!
Sierra and I are having wonderful bonding time when Eve takes her morning and afternoon naps. The sticker books have been a huge hit! Aunt Eileen (Asha) gave them to her as a past Christmas gift. She is so sweet, loving and thoughtful. No matter how much of a handful she is she truly just wants to make those she loves happy. Such a sensitive kid. She also lacks the ability to have patience opening gifts... Eve's birthday gift came and was sitting by the door, and I told her it was her gift and we had to wait to open it. She said, "We could just open it and look at it and then put it back in the box." I said, "Let's wait." I proceed to start vacuuming (slightly aware of her inclination to do it anyhow) and low and behold, she has opened the box on her own within 5 minutes!!! HA! Anyhow, I'm glad she did because we have been loving these Magna-tiles since we opened them!
Sierra and Eve play together all day every day and are becoming so much closer now that Eve is growing more. Although Sierra is still a bit forceful she has really learned to be more gentle.
Last weekend we went to Mono Hot Springs and camped there for two nights. We camped next to our friends Hilary and Mike! They are so gracious; they even helped us out by bringing up my mountain bike for us to ride while we were up there. Gus and I took turns riding up an ATV road that led to Bear Creek Dam. The girls and us went to two hot springs and even went into the cold river. Jerry and Anne brought sandwiches one day for everyone which we all enjoyed. It was great seeing them all of the way up there. Eve managed to nap in the tent twice and one day we drove up to Florence Lake and they both fell asleep on the way up there. I can't say I'm a fan of sleeping in the same tent as Eve since she gets so excited about it she crawls all over my face and jumps on my stomach, but it was sweet. The girls are building their outdoor experiences and relationships with the mountains. They hopefully will become outdoor enthusiasts like their parents.
On the day we were heading up to Mono, Grammy took Sierra out for the morning into town and lunch! That definitely helped me prep for the camping weekend. Sierra came back very pleased. Accompanied by a new doll, a hair brush and 3 new nail polishes.
We've been pretty successful with our garden and have been making green bean mustaches.
The changes that happen in a month are amazing and seeing the girls get closer to one another makes me so happy. In addition, getting full night's sleep has changed my mental state substantially.
